Winter Spirit Day for a Cause

At High School West, homecoming week is often one of the greatest highlights of the year for students and teachers. However, more often than not, students feel as if the school spirit and pride portrayed during the week of homecoming was short lived. During the fall pep rally, students get a chance to show off their talents. However, it is the athletes that get a special spotlight. As each team gets called to the center of the gym floor by Mr. Mitaritonna, they present themselves to the student body of Hills West, showing the pride they have not only in their team, but their school as well. Unfortunately, the only athletic programs called by Mr. Mitaritonna, are the fall sports teams, leaving the winter and spring sports teams feeling unnoticed and under appreciated.

With the support and drive of Mr. Mitaritonna, head varsity coach of the boys’ basketball team and supervisor of Varsity Club, a Winter Spirit Day will be taking place. The day will precede the intense rivalry basketball game between Hills West and Hills East. The game starts at 4:00 on December 9, however students are encouraged to stay after school to watch the unveiling of the winter athletic teams and more beginning at approximately 2:15 pm. After losing in an intense game last year to Hills East, this is West’s opportunity to beat East, of course West will have the home court advantage. Students are encouraged to wear white to school and to the game to support the Hills West Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team.

However, Winter Spirit Day is not just about community rivalry and school spirit. The Hills West Varsity Club is on a mission to help our own. The Kristall twins, Nate and Bryce, graduated from Hills West in 2011, and are currently in their senior year of college. Unfortunately, both of the Kristalls’ parents passed away last year within six months of each other. Both Nate and Bryce played volleyball throughout high school and participated heavily in Varsity Club. Raffles and fundraising will take place all afternoon in order to help lighten the load the Kristall twins have to bear for their college funds. Varsity Club advisor is encouraging the entire community to participate and donate to help some of our own.